Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)

For the Filling

• 2 cups chopped apples, peeled and cored (about 2 large apples) (300g)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (66g)
• 2½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 24 small pieces

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Steps to Make Mini Apple Hand Pies

1. Prepare the Apples

• Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly the filling will cook.
• In a bowl, combine the chopped apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix well to coat the apples evenly. Set aside while you prepare the crusts.

2. Roll Out the Dough

• If using store-bought crusts, roll them out slightly to make them thinner and easier to work with. If using homemade dough, roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness.
• Use a round cutter (about 3-4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. You should get about 12-14 circles per crust, depending on the size of your cutter.

3. Fill the Pies

• Place a small spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of half the circles, leaving a border around the edges.
• Add one small piece of butter on top of the apple filling in each pie.

4. Assemble the Hand Pies

• Brush the edges of the dough circles with a bit of water to help them seal.
• Place a second dough circle over the top of each filled circle, pressing the edges together gently with your fingers.
• Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring the pies are sealed. This also gives them a decorative edge.

5. Apply the Egg Wash

• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
• Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish.
• Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit or two on the top of each pie. This allows steam to escape during baking.

6. Bake the Pies

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits.

7. Cool and Serve

• Allow the hand pies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Pie)

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

Servings

This recipe makes approximately 12-14 hand pies, depending on the size of your cutter.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Mini Apple Hand Pies are a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Apples have been a favorite ingredient in baked goods for centuries, and their natural sweetness and tartness make them ideal for pies. The individual portions add a modern twist, making them perfect for today’s fast-paced lifestyles.

The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. It can be customized with different fruits, spices, or even toppings. But the core idea—delicious, spiced fruit wrapped in buttery pastry—remains a constant. This combination of tradition and convenience ensures these hand pies will always have a place in our hearts and kitchens.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or berries. Just adjust the sugar and spices to match the fruit’s flavor.

2. Can I freeze the pies before baking?
Absolutely! Assemble the hand pies and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. Do I have to use an egg wash?
The egg wash isn’t mandatory, but it gives the pies a beautiful golden color and shiny finish. If you prefer, you can use milk instead.

4. What kind of apples should I use?
Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well if you prefer a sweeter filling.

Tips for Making Perfect Hand Pies

1. Use Cold Butter: If making your crust, ensure the butter is very cold. This helps create a flaky texture.
2. Chill the Dough: Let the dough rest in the fridge before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and prevents shrinking.
3. Don’t Overfill: Adding too much filling can make it difficult to seal the pies and cause leaks during baking.
4. Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the filling for a unique twist.
5. Use Parchment Paper: This prevents the pies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the pies for up to 5 days. Warm them in the oven before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze baked pies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.

Conclusion

Mini Apple Hand Pies are more than just a dessert—they’re a slice of nostalgia wrapped in convenience. Each bite captures the essence of apple pie, from the tender, spiced filling to the flaky, golden crust. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a treat for yourself, these hand pies are a testament to the joy of homemade comfort food.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility and universal appeal. The individual portions make them perfect for sharing, while their simplicity ensures they’re accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you enjoy them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or pack them as a lunchbox treat, Mini Apple Hand Pies are a celebration of the timeless flavors we all love.

So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create a batch of these delightful hand pies. They’re sure to fill your home with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples, and your heart with the joy of baking something truly special. Enjoy every flaky, sweet, and satisfying bite!